Cell formation in group technology: A new approach

Abstract

In the U.S.A., machine-component cluster formation is considered a poor alternative to classification and coding as a planning tool for Cellular Manufacture. This paper introduces a heuristic procedure, the Occupancy Value method, for identifying clusters in a machine-component matrix created from route card data. A unique feature of this method is that it progressively develops block diagonalization starting from the northwest corner of the matrix. The flexibility of the procedure is illustrated in detail through a small example. Another large matrix is analyzed to demonstrate the inherent simplicity of the method. Further extensions of this method to implement the manufacturing cells from these initial clusters are discussed.